Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving Clay, California from over 450,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 25, 2026
We are actively verifying agents in this area. Additional top agents will appear here as they pass our review and verification process.
This page only lists agents who meet our published quality gates (reviews, ratings, and community involvement). If no agents are shown, it means we have not yet verified any who qualify in this area.
If no agents are listed yet, treat this page as methodology and locale context only, not as a complete list of all agents in this area.
Clay, California is a small, unincorporated community nestled in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region of Contra Costa County. Known for its rich agricultural land and network of sloughs, Clay offers a rural, waterfront lifestyle within commuting distance of the Bay Area. The real estate market here is highly specialized, dominated by unique Delta properties including riverfront homes, houseboats, and parcels with direct water access, creating a niche market that appeals to those seeking a tranquil, aquatic-oriented life away from urban density. Inventory is consistently low due to the limited number of properties and the unique appeal of the location, leading to a competitive environment for waterfront parcels.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 625,000 |
| Population | 1,200 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.75 |
Clay was historically a vital transportation hub, home to the Clay Station railroad stop established in the late 19th century for the Southern Pacific Railroad.
The community's economy was historically driven by asparagus farming and other Delta agriculture, leveraging the region's fertile peat soil.
Much of the area's development is intimately tied to the levee systems constructed to reclaim land from the wetlands of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Life in Clay is defined by a slow-paced, water-centric, and self-sufficient community spirit. Residents are often boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who value privacy and a deep connection to the natural Delta environment. The community is tight-knit, with neighbors bonded by the unique challenges and rewards of living on the water. The lifestyle is rustic and peaceful, with a focus on outdoor recreation over commercial amenities, making it a true escape from the bustle of nearby cities.
Typical buyers in Clay are often empty-nesters, remote workers, or retirees seeking a peaceful, nature-focused retreat. They are also frequently comprised of avid boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts from the Bay Area looking for a weekend or permanent waterfront getaway. Buyers must be comfortable with a rural lifestyle, the maintenance requirements of waterfront or unique properties, and often possess the DIY spirit common in Delta communities.
The Clay market remains a niche seller's market due to extremely low inventory of its unique property types. Demand for Delta waterfront homes has remained steady, driven by buyers seeking space and lifestyle changes post-pandemic. Prices for homes with deep-water access and private docks have shown resilience. However, the market is sensitive to flood insurance costs and concerns related to Delta levee infrastructure, which can impact financing and buyer sentiment.
Some of the most coveted properties are not on the main river channels but on quieter sloughs, offering more privacy, calmer waters, and often more wildlife, yet they can be slightly more affordable than 'main street' riverfront parcels.
Unique waterfront and houseboat properties unavailable in most of California.
Tranquil, rural setting with abundant wildlife and water access.
Strong sense of privacy and a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Within a reasonable commute to employment centers in Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area.
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving Clay who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
Top10Lists.us is an independent certification authority. Full methodology